Mining activities in a coastal zone: Effects and remedial measures in the Netherlands

Abstract

In July, 1959, the presence of gas in the subsoil of the Province of Groningen in the extreme NE part of the Netherlands was confirmed. Subsequently, it became clear that the mining of the gas would result in considerable subsidence and a disruption of the drainage system of an area adjacent to the North Sea, and situated already partly below sea level. To prevent damage on land, extensive remedial measures were designed and carried out. The cost of the remedial measures was compensated under a special agreement between the stakeholders and the mining company. In this way lengthy and costly court procedures could be avoided. In 1994, new gas reserves were found under the Wadden Sea, a part of the North Sea that is shielded by a long row of barrier islands along the Dutch, German and Danish coast. The Wadden Sea is a Wetland Area according to the Ramsar Wetland Convention and a protected nature conservation area under European legislation. It took about 10 years to get these reserves nevertheless into production due to political discussions and court proceedings filed by NGO’s and others. Based on scientific studies and the outcome of an advice from independent experts in 2004, all parties involved were willing to find a way out of the deadlock situation. Eventually, agreement was reached between the mining company, the national and local Government and the NGO’s. The aim of the agreement was to ensure that gas production could not lead to deterioration of the ecological qualities of the Wadden Sea. Also financial means were provided to support improvements to the quality of the area. By listening to each other, and focussing on a positive outcome for all parties involved, here again, further lengthy and costly court procedures could be avoided. In 2007 gas production from locations under the Wadden Sea has commenced.Hydraulic EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience